Deuteronomy chapter 29

vs 1

Written in the third person, possibly by Joshua? Certainly a good sum up to this point.

vs 2

So this is now the third address to Israel by Moses. You can see why the Hebrew Bible starts vs 1 here. It's a pretty standard beginning now - start with what they know about God by seeing (or history of seeing).

vs 3

Signs and wonders really are important to Israel. Paul wasn't kidding.

vs 4

So that's where Jesus gets it!

It's funny to think that God has done all these miracles, but he hasn't actually equipped his people with the ability to understand his message very well.

vs 5

One of the many signs and wonders of their age.

vs 6

His purpose is entirely about revealing himself to them. The problem comes, of course, when Israel then expects this sort of thing every time something bad happens, and if they don't see God working immediately then they lose faith and go worship an idol.

Faith based on miracles only lasts as long as miracles do.

vs 7

Indeed they did.

vs 8

Two and a half tribes of women and children who now have homes, but will always be those tribes that leave on the "east side" of the Jordan.

vs 9

If the one billion verses of curses doesn't encourage you to follow the covenant carefully, then perhaps the reminder of blessings will.

vs 10

Typical maleocentric maleocracy putting the men, and the leaders (who are men) first. But the others, as we will see, are mentioned. This is a covenant with all of the people - with the leaders, yes. But also with the individuals in their families. They will all be held to account.